Editing Composting toilet (section)

==Pathogen removal==
Waste-derived compost recycles fecal nutrients, but it can carry and spread pathogens if the process of [[reuse of excreta|reuse of waste]] is not done properly. Pathogen destruction rates in composting toilets are usually low, particularly of [[helminth]] eggs (such as those from the genus ''[[Ascaris]]'').<ref name=":3" /> This carries the risk of spreading disease if a proper system management is not in place. Compost from human waste processed under only mesophilic conditions or taken directly from the compost chamber is not safe for food production.<ref>Stenström, T.A., Seidu, R., Ekane, N., Zurbrügg, C. (2011). [http://www.susana.org/en/resources/library/details/1236 Microbial exposure and health assessments in sanitation technologies and systems] - EcoSanRes Series, 2011-1. Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Stockholm, Sweden, page 88</ref> High temperatures or long composting times are required to kill helminth eggs, the hardiest of all pathogens. [[helminthiasis|Helminth infections]] are common in many [[developing countries]].

In [[thermophilic]] composting [[bacteria]] that thrive at temperatures  of {{Convert|40-60|C|F}} [[oxidize]] (break down) waste into its components, some of which are consumed in the process, reducing volume and eliminating potential [[pathogen]]s. To destroy pathogens, thermophilic composting must heat the compost pile sufficiently, or enough time (1–2 years) must elapse since fresh material was added that [[biology|biological]] activity has had the same pathogen removal effect.

One guideline claims that pathogen levels are reduced to a safe level by thermophilic composting at temperatures of 55&nbsp;°C for at least two weeks or at 60&nbsp;°C for one week.<ref name=":1" /> An alternative guideline claims that complete pathogen destruction may be achieved already if the entire compost heap reaches a temperature of {{convert|62|°C|0}} for one hour, {{convert|50|°C|0}} for one day, {{convert|46|°C|0}} for one week or {{convert|43|°C|0}} for one month,<ref name=":0" /> although others regard this as overly optimistic.<ref name=":1" />